Monday, July 2, 2012

Celebrate Freedom Blog Hop - Day 1

It is my honor to participate in the Celebrate Freedom Blog Hop, sponsored by Lisa at Honeybearz Designs.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA

While I have always honored our country's liberties and celebrate Independence in its national birthplace of Philadelphia, eighteen years ago on July 1, 1994, personal freedom took on a whole different meaning for me.

NOT looking like this!

On that day, I mustered the strength to leave a marriage that was unkind and abusive. It was a hot 95 degrees then too ... and I wore a hot (very hot!) pink sweatsuit to prove it, I guess ... as I packed up half our worldly possessions, and moved myself and my daughter Emily into our own safe place, and a new life.

The separation and divorce were a struggle ... it took a revolution to be free. It took strength and determination. And ever since then, Independence Day means a great deal to me personally, and I celebrate it loud and proud.

This year, I'm celebrating by making what I think is one of my very favorite cards, and I'll show it to you here.

Here's the outside, and supplies listing:

This is how it looks, opened up.

I think my card turned out pretty spankin' good, if I do say so myself. This tri-fold shutter fold technique doesn't always work with your design ... but I think it does here.

Come back tomorrow when I'll show you a few more cards that I made for the holiday.

Now, what's a blog hop without a little candy?

Well, I happen to have an extra copy of what may one day be a collector's copy of a magazine.

Yup, I bought a copy before I remembered that I also subscribe. (Duhhh!) Anywhooo... did you know "Scrapbooks, Etc." is ceasing publication with this, its August 2012 issue? Dang it all ... I enjoyed it! The copy I send to you will be the just-bought issue, not this dog-earred ratty/read copy.

To win it, please be a follower of my blog, and leave a comment here. Please be sure that your comment provides a way for me to contact you when you win.

I hope you've enjoyed this hop. I'm the last stop (phew! You made it!) ... but if you've just happened upon me here, why not start at the very beginning and see what other projects might trigger your crafting mojo. Here's the line-up, with not-to-be-missed projects and some more blog candy:

Update: I completely forgot. I wanted to include a song that was my Mantra that summer so many years ago on Independence Day. Here's a YouTube video featuring the original artist, Martina McBride, with lyrics. "Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong, it's Independence Day..."

For all of you who may be needing extra strength today, this is for you:

P.S. I will be linking this post to a Red-White-and-Blue Challenge for "A Homespun Affair," the new online magazine. Check it out!

What a beautiful, awesomely designed card! I love it! So thankful that you set yourself free from the hardship you were enduring! I am sure you looked dang good in that pink jumpsuit though! I did NOT know this mag was going away! OMG!! Signs of the times I guess. Thanks so much for sharing ((hugs))

Great card, great use of papers and die cuts. Thanks for sharing your personal story of regaining your independence; so many women stay in abusive relationships, and I wish them the strength that you found that day. Bravo to you!

Oh Ellen!! My what horrific things you have been through!! I am so glad that you were able to get strong, and make a fantastic life for you and your daughter. YOU INSPIRE ME in ways you can never know. Thank you so much for sharing your story. OH And linking up with us at A Homespun Affair!! lol sorry, I almost forgot after reading your story. You are on my heart, my friend.